Be sure to mark your diary for a day of horses and friendship in the beautiful Macedon Ranges in Victoria.

Carolyn Welsh welcomes all to the Open day at Ellanbrae Park on the 15th June, 2013 - bookings are essential to help with the catering and to ensure that everyone will be comfortable.

The day has plenty to offer including a clinic and information session to foster interest in Dutch bred horses.

The concept of forming a KWPN breeder's, owner's and rider's group will be open for discussion and there will be the opportunity to discuss your interests as a rider or breeder. Horses will be on show and the Open Day will feature a Masterclass with Australian Grand Prix Champion rider, Maree Tomkinson, scheduled to take place between 12-2pm.

Maree is much respected for her dazzling performances on the magical mare Diamantina (Imp). Maree is a perfectionist and leaves nothing to chance, her competition appearances are well prepared to give herself and her horse the best chance for success. She says, "Nothing worthwhile is easy ... and the successful combinations work to a plan that suits them and their horse - there are no shortcuts. I am very pleased to be part of the Ellanbrae Park Open Day and look forward to catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones on the day."

Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina - Australian GP Champions

Carolyn Welsh said, "Following our recent trip to The Netherlands, we are very keen to form a group for "like minded" enthusiasts. We have looked at all of the European bloodlines, and have become convinced that Dutch horses are very well suited to Australian riders, our training concepts and circumstances.

Right - The beautiful stable block at Ellanbrae Park.

We visited a number of studs, spoke to the KWPN and made some wonderfully helpful friends who have given us advice about establishing an association for KWPN horses in Australia. We see the initiative as a win/win as it will enable a "KWPN Australia" group to bring out expert trainers and assessors, who will be sure to play a role in expanding our knowledge and expanding marketing opportunities.

However, it is all about fun and friendship ... this is my primary goal, when I think about the future.

Above - the beautiful grounds and facilities at Ellanbrae Park in Macedon.

Respected Dutch breeder Emmy de Jeu, has produced a number of top competition horses, and is on the selection committee for the Borculo Foal Auction and a Board Member of the KWPN. Emmy will be in Australia and at Ellanbrae Park to get things started. She will talk to Australian's who would like to know more about breeding and Dutch lines.

Ellanbrae Park aims to be a facilitator, helping enthusiasts of the Dutch bloodlines. It is already possible to obtain foal book registration with the KWPN for foals that have either KWPN or KWPN-recognised parents. Some of the other European studbooks already send assessors to Australia to classify foals, mares and stallions, so "KWPN Australia" will add another layer of support. We hope to encourage some new horse lovers to our group.

The KWPN is interested in exploring the possibilities of having Australian-bred KWPN horses assessed and classified. This gives a sound business base to indivual breeding programs and people can talk to experts to ensure that the latest information from the homeland breeders is available to them."

Carolyn concluded, "We hope that our inaugural Open Day at Ellanbrae Park will be the catalyst for forming an Australian association of KWPN enthusiasts. The successful European concept seems to have something for everyone, it is very social, educational and fun.

We hope to give purpose and incentive as well as providing a fun way to get together for those with an interest in KWPN horses.

We invite you to join us for what will be a special day complete with clinic (open to fence sitters), presentations by Emmy de Jeu and Maree Tomkinson ... and much, much more!

Please let us know if you can come along so we can cater accordingly (via facebook, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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or phone (03) 5426 4887 or mobile 0417 330 750)

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